"Deep and hearty black cherry, vanilla, cola and black-pepper aromas make for a lush, imposing and yet classic nose on this bottling. It’s simultaneously soft and powerful on the palate, with black-cherry foam, crème de cassis, vanilla custard and melted milk-chocolate flavors set against a backbone of vibrant acidity and plush tannins. It’s a decadent mouthful." — M.K.

"Dark purplish ruby; forward, rich, ripe, red cherry and blackberry fruit aroma with spicy and peppery notes and a hint of dark chocolate; full body; deep, rich, extracted, dark berry fruit flavors with herbal notes and a hint of anise; full tannin and showing some harshness on the finish; lingering aftertaste. Approachable now, though deserving a few more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended." — California Grapevine

Wine Specs

Vintage

2014

Varietal

Petite Sirah

Appellation

Paso Robles

Harvest Date

9/5/2014 - 9/29/2014

Sugar

23.6 - 25.1 Brix at Harvest

Acid

5.9 g/L

pH

3.8

Bottling Date

7/7/2016

Alcohol %

14.5

Wine Enthusiast

91

Wine Profile

Tasting Notes

"Deep and hearty black cherry, vanilla, cola and black-pepper aromas make for a lush, imposing and yet classic nose on this bottling. It’s simultaneously soft and powerful on the palate, with black-cherry foam, crème de cassis, vanilla custard and melted milk-chocolate flavors set against a backbone of vibrant acidity and plush tannins. It’s a decadent mouthful." — Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast

The fruit for this Petite Sirah was picked at just the right time. After gentle pressing, the fruit was fermented in bins and punched down by hand 3 times a day. The fermented pomace was lightly pressed in baskets. The wine was then racked to a blend of French and Hungarian oak barrels, where it aged for 17 months.

Winemaker Notes

Dark purple and inky in color, this opulent Petite Sirah leads with aromas of plum and sage popping from the glass. Subtle and complex notes of black truffle and fresh mint, which add to the depth of character. The tannins are round and expansive, accentuated by ripe blackberry, lilac and an exceptionally full-bodied structure.